National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine on Genetically Engineered Crops
From US Wheat Associates www.uswheat.org
On May 18, the highly respected National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine released the results of their lengthy study on genetically engineered crops. The primary conclusion, after extensively reviewing past studies and comparing health and disease rates in Europe, where biotech crops are extremely limited, with North America, where such crop have been widely used for two decades, is that our current genetically engineered crops are safe, posing no apparent risks to human health.
The National Academies are private, nonprofit organizations set up by the U.S. Congress to provide expert scientific advice. A group of 20 scientists mostly from U.S. universities wrote the report. They also found no negative environmental impacts and made recommendations for a more flexible regulatory approach in the future that would take into account the individual risks any new types of bio-engineered crops might pose. Interestingly, they did not find any yield impacts from the use of these crops thus far.
As a former farmer, I find that last point surprising. Most of the traits introduced into these crops through bioengineering do target reducing insecticide applications or tolerating herbicides, rather than for direct yield impacts. At the least, they have reduced yield variability because the traits help the plant reach its full genetic potential. Coming traits, such as nitrogen use efficiency, will more directly improve yields.
Of course, this study, definitive as it is, will not end the controversy over genetic engineering. Consumer fears remain, labeling issues still wait to be settled, regulations need updating and trade disruptions will still occur as new traits are introduced into the marketplace. Genetic knowledge and plant breeding methods are advancing at an accelerating pace. Whether we are ready or not, genetically engineered crops are here to stay and will become more widespread each year. Let us hope that our policies, perceptions and market systems can keep pace. This study represents a valuable step in that direction.